AT&T introduces Pay-As-You-Go international data plans for laptops and netbooks

Recently, AT&T announced new Pay-As-You-Go international data packages for netbook and laptop users. The new, 30-day plans start at 20MB for $24.99 and go all the way up to 200MB for $199.99. “Data sessions may be purchased using a credit card or a debit card. Customers can also bill the charges to their wireless bill provided the postpaid wireless account has been active more than 90 days and has no past due charges,” reads the press release. The company will also allow users to schedule when the 30-day pass begins to take effect. The four announced plans are as follows:

DataConnect Pass Global 20MB for $24.99

DataConnect Pass Global 50MB for $59.99

DataConnect Pass Global 100MB for $119.99

DataConnect Pass Global 200MB for $199.99

Although expensive, it seems like a pretty good way to prevent scary international overages. Hit the jump for the full press release.

AT&T Introduces Pay-As-You-Go International Data Packages for Laptops and Netbook

Customers Benefit from More Flexibility, More Choice; More Ways to Manage Data Needs Abroad

DALLAS, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* today announced the launch of AT&T DataConnect Pass Global — a lineup of international pay-as-you-go data packages now available on AT&T-certified laptops and netbooks. The announcement expands AT&T’s portfolio of pay-as-you-go data services, providing domestic and now international data passes designed to meet individual needs and budgets without a long-term commitment.

Ideal for international business travelers and vacationers alike, the passes provide data coverage in more than 100 countries, including Canada, Mexico, countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Available in 30-day session increments, packages can help travelers better manage their data usage abroad and at rates significantly lower than pay-per-use service. Data packages include:

DataConnect Pass Global 20MB for $24.99

DataConnect Pass Global 50MB for $59.99

DataConnect Pass Global 100MB for $119.99

DataConnect Pass Global 200MB for $199.99

Data sessions may be purchased at Buy an AT&T DataConnect Pass Session, using a credit card or a debit card. Customers can also bill the charges to their wireless bill provided the postpaid wireless account has been active more than 90 days and has no past due charges. Set up is easy: customers create a username and password, provide their laptop or netbook SIM card and device serial numbers, complete the billing information and select the desired data package.

Once purchased, customers have the flexibility to specify when they want the 30-day session to begin, based on their travel itinerary. As a helpful reminder, customers will receive a courtesy text and email when their plan is close to expiring or when they are close to depleting the amount of data available with their session.

International packages are available to existing AT&T netbook or laptop customers. For complete details, visit AT&T DataConnect Pass Sessions.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Restrictions apply. Time begins expiring immediately upon activation whether you are using the service or not. Once you consume your allotted data or your time expires, whichever occurs first, your data access will cease. Plans should be purchased before traveling outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I. For available countries and carriers, see DataConnect Legal Documents. Availability, quality of coverage while roaming are not guaranteed. Plans must begin within 365 days of purchase. Fees are non-refundable. For complete terms and conditions see DataConnect Pass/iPad™/Session-Based Wireless Data Services Agreement on Wireless Legal Documents.

DataConnect Pass Global packages are available to customers with an AT&T enabled LaptopConnect Card, embedded Laptop Card or netbook that have a domestic AT&T Laptop Connect plan currently. Customers that already have their own AT&T compatible device, but do not currently subscribe to a domestic Laptop Connect Plan, may need to purchase a new SIM card to activate service.

So…pay scary international fees to avoid every so slightly less scary international overages? Well played AT&T.

btdown

Wow..so completely ridiculous. Better off buying a sim in whatever country you go to.

PAPINYC

Those are bend over, I’ll rape you fees! Chances are, even if you took the violation on bended knees, you probably still wouldn’t get reception internationally. And, when you would, hypothetically, call their International Customer Service Support Center, probably in Guam or the Phillippines, a tech would more than likely ask you if you have ‘the ethernet’ cable securely connected?

General Zod

Let it be known!!! Data is the new way to gouge the consumer in preparation for call and text obsolescence. These tiered data pricing schemes are only designed to maintain and increase revenues that call and text overages generated in the past. This will spill over into domestic pricing schemes. All of the cellular companies know data will be the new cash cow. Say goodbye to reasonable data plans.

Our whole lives revolve around the internet, so I’m using a MiFi for our trip this christmas. From xcomglobal.com. They have unlimited data for like $15 a day. Makes a little hotspot for my boyfriend and me.

Joseph Singer

Do they really think that pricing everything as $X.99 fools anyone anymore?